EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Coach's Corner, Giants.com's exclusive weekly interview with head coach Pat Shurmur:
Q: One play can turn a game, and one game can turn a season. Until it does, do you have to kind of take the temperature of where these guys are emotionally? A lot of them aren't used to losing games, like Dexter (Lawrence, who played at Clemson), and DeAndre (Baker, a former star at Georgia). Do you have to gauge where they are emotionally?
Shurmur: "I think the important thing is you get into the process of what it takes to win. We get into the process, go out and try to put an effort on the field to win a football game. That's what we're going to try to do this week."
Q: From what you've seen, are the players where you want them to be regarding their attitude?
Shurmur: "The players are fine. The players are working through it. We've had a good week of practice, and we're looking forward to playing Detroit."
Q: The topic of the week is the turnovers. Daniel (Jones) said yesterday, "It's a huge focus of mine." Do you want him obsessing about it, thinking about it or can that take away from his instinctiveness or his aggressiveness at all?
Shurmur: "No, that's primary for a quarterback, obviously, protecting the football, especially in the pocket. Interceptions happen for whatever reason. But the fumbles in the pocket, he has to do a good job of protecting the football."
Q: At practice, are you constantly reminding him about keeping two hands on the football?
Shurmur: "We practice it all of the time."
Q: Are you verbally reminding him?
Shurmur: "Yeah, we coach him. Absolutely."
Q: Regarding preparation, Eli (Manning) had so much experience that he could look at an upcoming opponent and suggest plays for the game plan. Is Daniel at that point yet or is it still too early in his development?
Shurmur: "No, Daniel has good ideas. He's always… every quarterback I've been around has thoughts with regard to the game plan."
Q: Saquon (Barkley) is always so upbeat, even through the injury. He had a (32-yard) run called back the other day. He was still encouraging everybody in the game, in the locker room after the game. Have you ever seen him frustrated or down at all?
Shurmur: "No. He's super competitive. He doesn't get down, he doesn't get frustrated. I haven't seen it."
Q: A guy who is as important to the team as he is, to set that example, how important is that?
Shurmur: "It's very important. I think your better players have to add value by being good leaders. I think he's done that."
Q: Rhett Ellison had the touchdown catch the other day. After the game, I don't know if a reporter spoke to him. They were at Evan (Engram's) locker, Golden (Tate's) locker, Saquon's locker. Ellison just comes to work and does his job and seems almost underappreciated.
Shurmur: "Not by me. The fact that someone didn't want to ask him questions about it, that's their business. I can't be concerned about what other people think of things. But in my mind, he's a very valued member of our team. He's a good blocker. When we throw him the ball, he catches it. He handles his business like a pro. He's steady and consistent, and for the most part, he's always out there."
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders, carried for three yards before being brought down by Giants Erik Howard and Carl Banks, rear, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 18, 1989.
Detroit Lions fullback Ace Gutowsky hurdles over New York Giants line for 9 yard gain in game on Nov. 1, 1936 at the Polo Grounds. The Giants won, 14-7. (AP Photo)
Detroit Lions lions Alex Karras (71) attempts to block a pass by New York Giants quarterback Earl Morrall (11) during an NFL game in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 10, 1967, file photo, New York Giants' Bob Crespino (89) is tackled by Detroit Lions' Tom Vaughn (48) after taking a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton for a first down in the first period of an NFL football game at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms escapes the grip of Detroit Lions Eric Williams as he rushes for a 15-yard gain in the third quarter of the game at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., on September 17, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders (20) and Lomas Brown (75) scramble with New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) to recover a bad handoff during their match-up at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 19, 1990. The Giants defeated the Lions 20-0. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
Barry Sanders (20) of the Detroit Lions is stopped by Stacey Dillard (71) Jessie Armstead, rear center, and Coleman Rudolph (91) of the New York Giants after a 13-yard gain on a pass from Scott Mitchell during the first quarter of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1994. (AP photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway (80) looks back at Detroit Lions cornerback Bryant Westbrook (32) and Giants receiver David Patten as he prepares to score a touchdown in overtime to defeat the Lions 26-20, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Sunday, Oct. 19, 1997. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber evades Detroit Lions' Keith Smith, center, and Alex Lewis on his way to score a touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Oct.24, 2004 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington, left, is sacked by New York Giants safety Gabril Wilson during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Detroit Lions' Shaun McDonald (84) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York won 16-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald, right, and New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison, left, reach out for the loose ball intended for McDonald in the fourth quarter of the football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 in Detroit. Madison intercepted the ball to end the Lions final drive. The Giants beat the Lions 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka tackles Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. Kiwanuka broke his left leg after teammate Osi Umenyiora rolled over his leg during the tackle. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants safety James Butler (37) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) late in the fourth quarter of a football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, in Detroit. The Giants beat the Lions, 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, right, stops Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones (34) in mid air as Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery, left, holds his foot for a 5 yard loss in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant (25) during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown on a 10-yard reception against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams (11) reaches for the ball after New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) deflected the pass intended for Williams during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. The pass was ruled incomplete. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) fumbles after being hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Detroit Lions' Drew Stanton laughs after an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Detroit Lions play the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw runs the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs, center, jumps for some extra yards during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade tackles him during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (96) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) strips Detroit Lions quaterback Drew Stanton (5) in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Maning( 10) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield (96) applies pressure against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (84) is tackled by New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Detroit Lions linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) reacts after scoring a touchdown as Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, right, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84), defended by Detroit Lions free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (42), scores on a 1-yard reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is chased by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, right, greet each other after an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch while being covered by Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a week 15 NFL football game on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) intercepts a pass to Detroit Lions' Anquan Boldin (80) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 17-6. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as Detroit Lions' Devin Taylor (98) closes in on him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions strong safety Tavon Wilson (32) tackles New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs for yardage in action against the Detroit Lions Sunday December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) is tackled by New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Nick McCloud (44)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday November 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78)during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Q: You've had eight different players start at linebacker and 11 different players line up at the position. You brought in two players this week. We talk about continuity at different positions. Does the constant change at linebacker affect the defense?
Shurmur: "Any position where you don't have the same players playing all the time… you have to get ready for the opponent, but they also have to get used to the scheme. So, yeah, that has an effect."
Q: Deone Bucannon, one of the newcomers, considers himself a hybrid linebacker/safety. He has a safety number (29). Does he give you flexibility to try some different things?
Shurmur: "We'll see how much he can do here in the first couple of weeks. He has some familiarity scheme-wise, but we'll just have to see how fast he can get up and going."
Q: You were asked at your news conference about the pass interference challenges (0-for-four last week and just 17% overturned league-wide). The numbers aren't good, but do you have to ignore that and decide whether or not to challenge simply on the merits of that particular play?
Shurmur: "Well, that's true. It has to be worth something big, like a big play or a game-changing play, to some degree, that you think was officiated wrongly. That's when you do it. A six or seven or eight-yard gain, you probably wouldn't do it. But something that was maybe a third down, or a 40 or 50-yard play, then it's something, in my mind, to consider. Again, I have faith in the system. But I do know the reality. In the real world, only 17, less than 20%, are being overturned. In my mind, what I think is egregious or obviously wrong isn't always what the mindset of the person determining whether it should be overturned is."
Q: This week you play in Detroit against the Lions, whose secondary has Big Play Slay (Darius Slay) and Big Play Tray (Tracy Walker). Even without (Quandre) Diggs, they're known for being very competitive in the secondary…
Shurmur: "I've competed against the Lions for many years. They are. They're very talented in the secondary. They do a good job of challenging. They play a lot of man-to-man. That certainly can change on a game-to-game basis, but they play a lot of man and they challenge the receivers well."
Q: You're also familiar with (quarterback Matthew) Stafford, who loves to throw the deep ball. Does your defense have to be a little more cognizant of defending the deep pass this week?
Shurmur: "Well, they're always aware of it. But he is an aggressive thrower. He's a top tier quarterback in this league. He's played well, he's played really well for a very, very long time, for many years. Certainly, we're running up against another outstanding quarterback that can change the game with a couple of throws."
Q: Jamal Agnew has had a 100-yard kickoff return this year. Two years ago, he had a long punt return touchdown against us. Does a guy like that get the attention of your special teams?
Shurmur: "Absolutely. Any player on the field that can score touchdowns certainly warrants extra attention."
Q: You had some big news in the Shurmur family this week with (son) Kyle going up (to Kansas City's active roster from the practice squad). As a dad, how much pride do you feel? And how did you find out? Did he call you?
Shurmur: "He texted me that he was being brought up. I'm proud of what Kyle has done. He's very competitive, he's very tough. In my opinion, he has great poise. He's a student of the game. He studies it, and it's something in his life that's very, very important to him. I know that with this, he'll be ready to play."
Q: You learned a lot from working with Andy Reid. Has Kyle told you what it's like for him to work with Reid and what he's getting out of it?
Shurmur: "We talk a little bit. Some of the things that I've heard, I'm reminded of having worked with Andy. Quite frankly, for a young player, or really a player of any age, I'm certainly very, very thankful that he's with Andy."
Q: This is your first game as a head coach in Michigan. You grew up there. When we talked last year, you said, 'I'm a Michiganer.' Is it special going home in your position now?
Shurmur: "It's nice to go home. It's always nice to be able to see family and friends and get a short visit. But this is a business trip. This is about the Giants playing the Lions, and certainly the focus will be on my team and the game we're going to play."
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